Sunderland Aquatic’s Centre is to host the British Water Polo League for the first time this weekend.

Five of the top UK teams in both Men and Women’s Water Polo will compete in a Super 5s league which begins on Saturday.

The teams include some of the best players in the country – many of which played at the 2012 London Olympics.

Players from City of Manchester (men’s) and Otter (women’s) will also be running mini sessions on Sunday morning in the hope of inspiring youngsters to take up the sport.

This is not the first time Sunderland has hosted a major Water Polo event. Last year the Aquatics Centre was chosen to host the Len European Championship, which included the Great British team, and also the subsequent Play-offs.

Chairman of the British Water Polo League (BWPL) Dave Andrews said: “The Sunderland event launches the second half of the British League season.

“This sees the top five men’s and women’s teams to emerge from eight-team divisions in the first phase competing in the Super 5s.”

The event is free for the weekend, with both pools closed for members of the public.